Peppermint Leaf Herbal Infusion

There's something almost meditative about the moment when hot water meets fresh peppermint leaves and that unmistakable green scent rises with the steam. I discovered this tea by accident one afternoon when I had a stomachache and found myself standing in the garden, hands already pulling leaves off the plant before I'd even decided what to do. Five minutes later, I was holding a cup that tasted like relief, and I've been making it ever since.

I made this for my sister during one of those hectic holiday visits when everyone's stressed and nobody's sleeping well. She drank it slowly, sitting on my kitchen counter, and actually stopped talking for a minute—which for her is basically a miracle. That's when I realized this wasn't just a nice drink; it was somehow permission to pause.

Ingredients

• Fresh peppermint leaves: Two tablespoons of the real thing will make your entire kitchen smell like a spa, and the flavor is so much brighter than dried—though dried works perfectly if that's what you have on hand.
• Boiling water: Two cups means enough for two generous servings, and it's crucial that it's actually hot or the leaves won't release all their goodness.
• Honey or sweetener: This is entirely your call, but I've learned that a touch of honey can round out the sharpness if your peppermint is particularly bold.
• Lemon slices: A small add that somehow transforms the whole thing into something that feels special rather than just practical.

Instructions

Rinse and prepare:

Cool water over the leaves removes any dust and brings out their best self. If you're using fresh leaves from the garden, this step feels a little like greeting an old friend.

Settle the leaves:

Put them in your teapot or any heatproof jug—I've used coffee mugs in a pinch and nobody complained.

Pour with purpose:

The boiling water is going to make everything happen at once; watch for that moment when the leaves start to dance and release their color. The kitchen will smell absolutely alive.

Wait patiently:

Five minutes of steeping is the sweet spot where flavor deepens but the tea doesn't become overwhelming or bitter. Cover it if you have a lid so the heat stays trapped where it belongs.

Strain and serve:

Pour through a strainer into your cup, letting those beautiful green specks do their work. Whether you add honey, lemon, or nothing at all, drink it while it's warm enough to feel like care.

Save

My neighbor grows peppermint like it's going out of style, and one summer she started leaving bundles on my doorstep. We'd trade peppermint tea for whatever I'd baked that week, and it became this small, wordless ritual that made us both look forward to afternoons. Food doesn't have to be complicated to matter.

Fresh vs. Dried: What Actually Works

Fresh leaves give you brightness, that green snap that makes your mouth wake up. Dried leaves are concentrated and quieter, more like a gentle hug than a wake-up call. I keep dried on hand for winter when the garden's asleep, but if you have access to fresh, that first sip is worth the moment of care it takes to rinse them. Both are equally valid; it's about what your day needs.

Making It Your Own

This is one of those recipes that becomes more itself when you play with it. Some days I add a vanilla bean, other times a whisper of ginger. I've made it for people who wanted honey and sweetness, and others who preferred it plain enough to taste every note. The base is unshakeable, but everything else is flexible.

Storage and Keeping

Fresh peppermint keeps best in a glass of water on your counter, like cut flowers, and will happily sit there for a week or two. Dried leaves belong in an airtight container away from light, and they'll maintain their flavor for several months if you don't forget about them in the back of a cabinet like I did.

• Brew it hot and drink it immediately, or chill it in the fridge for a completely different experience on warm afternoons.
• A cup of this before bed settles the body in a way that feels like the end of something good.
• It makes an unpretentious but genuine gift when someone you care about needs gentleness.

Save

This tea has become my answer to most afternoons, the thing I reach for when I want a moment that's just mine. That's the whole story.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should peppermint leaves steep?

Steep peppermint leaves covered for 5 minutes to extract the full flavor and benefits.

→ Can I use dried peppermint leaves instead of fresh?

Yes, dried leaves work well; use about one-third the amount compared to fresh leaves for optimal taste.

→ Is it better served hot or cold?

Both options are excellent. Serve hot for warmth and soothing effects, or chilled over ice for a refreshing twist.

→ Can honey be added?

Honey or another sweetener can be added optionally to balance the natural minty flavor.

→ What tools are needed for preparation?

A teapot or heatproof jug, strainer, and kettle for boiling water are required for making the infusion.